EASA SIB 2012-18
Potential effects of inflated floats or float-type landing gears on flight characteristics of helicopters
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin SIB No. 2012-18 addresses the potential effects of inflated floats or float-type landing gears on the flight characteristics of helicopters, specifically referencing the Robinson R22 Mariner. The bulletin highlights incidents involving European registered helicopters fitted with float-type landing gear during simulated engine failure and autorotation descent maneuvers. It aims to raise pilot awareness about altered handling characteristics caused by these float systems.
What Changed
This bulletin introduces information about the risks associated with float-type landing gear or inflated emergency flotation equipment on helicopters during autorotation descents. It does not mandate any new airworthiness directives but provides safety recommendations to pilots to mitigate control issues linked to these modifications.
Why It Matters
Understanding the altered flight characteristics caused by float-type landing gear is critical for pilots and operators to prevent loss of control during emergency procedures such as autorotation descents. This knowledge helps improve flight safety during training and operational flights involving helicopters equipped with such equipment.
What To Do
Pilots should exercise extreme caution when performing autorotation descents in helicopters fitted with float-type landing gear or inflated floats, maintaining zero sideslip to avoid adverse roll tendencies. Operators and training organizations should ensure that pilots are informed about these handling differences. There are no mandatory compliance deadlines associated with this bulletin.